These Easy Peach Crumble Bars are a delicious treat with juicy peaches and a buttery crumb topping. They’re perfect for summer picnics or an afternoon snack!
Making these bars is a breeze. I love how the sweet and tart peaches pair so well with the crunchy topping. Plus, my friends always ask for seconds! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches add the best flavor, but if they’re out of season, you can use canned or frozen peaches. Just make sure to drain them well if using canned! You can also substitute with apricots or plums for a twist.
All-Purpose Flour: While all-purpose flour is perfect for structure, you can swap some for whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Just don’t replace all of it or the bars may be too dense.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar balances the tartness of the peaches. If you’re cutting back on sugar, you can try using coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute like Stevia, keeping in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor as you can control the salt content. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well, although it will change the flavor a bit.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping adds a nice crunch, and getting it just right is key. Here are some tips to help:
- Keep your butter cold when mixing. This creates that perfect crumbly texture. Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with a dough rather than crumbs.
- Reserve a portion of the dough before adding it to the base, as it creates a delicious topping that contrasts with the soft filling.
- After baking, let the bars sit to cool completely. This helps the topping set up nicely, making them easier to cut into perfect squares.
These tips will ensure you have a delightful crunchy topping on your peach crumble bars!
How to Make Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Peach Filling:
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 4 medium peaches)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening peach filling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 40-45 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. So, total time is around 1 hour 30 minutes. Worth the wait for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. You can also lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the cold cubed butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse meal. This texture is key for the perfect crust!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Now, mix in the vanilla extract and egg until the dough just comes together. Make sure not to overmix, or you may end up with a tough crust. Set aside about 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping.
4. Form the Crust:
Take the remaining dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will be the base for your delicious bars!
5. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced peaches with brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch (if you want a thicker filling), lemon juice, and the remaining ⅙ cup of granulated sugar. Mix gently to coat the peaches evenly. This will create a sweet, juicy filling!
6. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the peach filling evenly over the crust. Make sure you cover it well for that burst of peach flavor in every bite.
7. Add the Topping:
Now, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the peaches. This will create that delightful crumbly topping.
8. Bake the Bars:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary slightly.
9. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time allows the filling to set, making them easier to cut.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and serve! They can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, and they’re perfect for any summer gathering. Enjoy your delicious peach crumble bars!
FAQ for Easy Peach Crumble Bars
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. This will help prevent a soggy filling.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper binding, and adjust the baking time if necessary, as gluten-free flours can behave differently.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use tapioca starch or arrowroot powder as a thickener for the peach filling. Alternatively, you can omit it if you don’t mind a slightly juicier filling!
